Erasmus’ assistant Jerry Flannery is expecting a bruising battle against opponents with a strong forward pack and backs who can punish defenders who miss their first-time tackles.
“We still respect them enormously, when they came to Pretoria last year, they were also missing key players and ran us very closely,” Flannery said.
“They have a really strong set piece. In fact, their scrum was probably among the best in the Six Nations, and that gives them a significant platform.
“They’re also a very well-coached team that does the basics extremely well. They still have players like Ange Capuozzo, who can break a game open from nothing.
“Brex is a really good footballer and Menoncello is one of the best centres in the world, but they’ve shown real squad depth, and going into a World Cup year, giving more players caps will benefit them long term, so we’re looking at defending them as a team, not just individuals.”
Flannery says accuracy will be key for the Springboks, and he expects Italy to use the high ball to try to unsettle the world champions.
“If your players don’t make their first-time tackles, Italy will make metres, and that’s what we saw in Pretoria as well,” he said.
“They have a strong kicking game, with players like Paolo Garbisi, who has an excellent left foot, and they have good aerial players, so we need to be strong in that area.
“And if there are any scraps off the back of their kicking game, Capuozzo can create something from nothing, so controlling those areas will be key.”
Flannery is looking forward to seeing the Springboks in action as they also face difficult away trips to France and his native Ireland ahead of the Nations Championship finals weekend.
“I think the tour is a good representation of what’s coming heading into a World Cup year,” said Flannery.
“The squad must get together and play games consistently in a short period of time. We’re not yet sure how much we’ll rotate through this period, but for me it’s almost like knockout rugby – the group stages, Round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final, and Final. It’s that kind of intensity.”